CC's Showcase Concert Review
 |
Who: Noah Hunt & The 420 All-Stars
Where: Live at CC’s Showcase, Middletown Ohio
When: January 25, 2003
CC’s Showcase, a new club in Middletown Ohio hosted the most recent performance by Noah Hunt and The 420 All-Stars this past Saturday night. The intimate setting of the club amplified the powerful voice of Noah Hunt as he rolled through two straight hours of an energetic yet well rehearsed performance. The evening opened with a local acoustic duo, “Big Whiskey” , the talented Brad Kelly and Clark Jenkins who kept the crowd in rhythm with a smooth 45 minute set. The pair traded off vocals during the show and highlighted their performance with a cover of “Walking in Memphis” favored by the crowd.
By the time Noah Hunt and The 420 All-Stars took the stage at 10:45 Noah thanked the crowd for coming out into the freezing cold and joked “Yup, we’re really here. You didn’t think we were gonna show up right?” He also gave well deserved praise to his band for their excellent talents though they were missed on the club’s marquee. Noah started the show off with an up tempo version of a song called “ The Missouri Boat Ride” he wrote about learning how to be a rock star. Then dove into the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band tune “Where was I” which he co-wrote. The charming and talented singer appeared in high spirits as he smiled and made eye contact with his fans seemingly performing for each one individually. At one point Noah hollered “Come on down, I like to see your faces” to those who enjoyed the show from the comforts of their tables and chairs placed around the dance floor. The show’s energy never let up as the only traditional ballad on the set list was a song from The Long Black Train album, “Pretty Mama” during the encore.
The 420 All-Stars feature two members who have played with Noah since his previous band Uncle Six. Song writer/musician Dan Hunt and Bassist Alex Hughes. Dan who wasn’t feeling 100% backed Noah on vocals and handled the keys and acoustic guitar. Dan was in good enough spirits to enjoy a laugh with the Middletown locals, offering to buy a beer for anyone who could explain “The Blue Balls Car Wash” we all passed on the road on our way into the venue. Drummer Todd Knapke from Kentucky and the most recent member of the band lead guitarist “Snake” formerly of Boston, MA rounded out the band. Their set was professional and rehearsed, rolling into fun covers throughout the night like “Good Morning Little School Girl” and “The All New Minglewood Blues” and handling the crowd favorite “Blue on Black” with a confidence that did not miss Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
The handsome thirty-three year old singer/songwriter Noah Hunt looked in great shape, in a blue dress shirt, black pants and black boots with shiny silver buckles. Bright eyes and radiant smiles reflected often from his clean shaven boyish face. Noticeably absent from this performance was the rhythmic percussion of Noah’s tambourine playing, replaced with his instinctual soulful hand clapping. The multi talented Hunt often strapped on his acoustic guitar and accompanied the band on many of the twenty-one songs in the set.
CC’s Showcase, the small club where the gig was held had a great sound system and lighting display. The intimate setting of a few hundred people could have easily been several thousand from the way the band performed on stage that night. Noah’s voice deep and soulful boomed over the speakers delivering a monstrous performance. Couples and singles danced along the floor on numerous songs to the band’s apparent delight. This was a nonstop ride for every patron in the club. Near the end the night Noah tossed his hair back and said “Don’t anybody tell your friends about this cuz we like it just like this.” in reference to the intimate gathering. Friends and family members were in attendance as the club gave off a feeling of an almost private showing for these brave fans who hauled it out to Middletown on this freezing cold night. The $10 admission fee was a gift from these performers as all who attended received more then their money’s worth.
For anyone who would even debate checking out a Noah Hunt and The 420 All-Stars performance don’t second guess yourself. These rare 420 All-Stars shows are a must see as the band plays as tight as any high priced ticket or venue. The modest and soft spoken Hunt really powers it on during his live performances with songs like “Medicine man”with lyrics dealing with addiction and the flirtatious cover of “King Bee” that he closed the show with captured the audience, emphasizing the lyrics “Just let me come inside!”
I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize to Noah, in light of this review Cincinnati's best kept secret is now out. I've told all my friends Noah!
Review written and provided by: NoahHunt.Org 1-28-03
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
1. Missouri Boat ride
2. Where was I
3. Alabama
4. Ain’t wastin time no more
5. Spending’ time
6. Midnight Sun
7. Good Mornin’ little School girl
8. Peace of Mind
9. Away, Away
10. Midnight Rambler
11. Go for a ride
12. It takes a train to cry
13. Grey
14. Medicine man
15. Blue on Black
16. Clean & White
17. All new Minglewood blues
~ Band solos and intros
18.Nothing to do with love
19. Pretty mama
20. One way out
21. King Bee